Wally Buono just chuckles at the notion he has found the secret to success in the CFL.

It would seem the long-time head coach must have some magic beads or a wand that gives him a competitive team year in and year out.

To Buono, who is in his sixth season with the Lions and coming off the best season in franchise history (14-3-1), the formula is simple and much more bland.

He just surrounds himself with coaches and players of quality.

So once again, the Lions will be the team to beat in the West Division because the core group of players is returning in 2008.

"Our biggest strength is our returning veterans," Buono said.

"We have a lot of good football players who have won a lot of games and have a tremendous amount of experience. That in itself is our strength, but it all has to be brought together and developed into a team."

Although quarterback Dave Dickenson was released, the Lions are still solid at the key position with Jarious Jackson and Buck Pierce.

At receiver, Geroy Simon and Canadians Jason Clermont and Paris Jackson anchor another solid group, although there are questions about the rest of their depth.

The offensive line remains strong with import tackles Rob Murphy and Jason Jimenez opening holes for running back Joe Smith.

The Lions defence starts with a great pass rush from 2006 Canadian and defensive player of the year Brent Johnson and last year's leader in QB sacks, Cam Wake.

A year ago, nobody knew about Wake and he dominated in winning the rookie of the year. Smith did the same thing the previous year, although not technically a rookie.

"I believe we've improved ourselves," Buono said. "We have added some young guys who could make us more skilful as a football team. That doesn't mean you are going to win more games than you won last year."

One area that did see some turnover was the football operations and coaching staff.

Director of player personnel Bob O'Billovich, now general manager in Hamilton, was replaced by former Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Roy Shivers.